9.45am
English-based players Robbie Paul and Lesley Vainikolo have been named in the New Zealand rugby league team to play Australia next week, it was reported today.
The Bradford Bulls pair, both former Kiwis internationals, were told by coach Daniel Anderson they were in the team to play the Kangaroos at Newcastle
on Friday week, the BBC website reported.
Their selection would come as a surprise as Anderson has previously indicated he would only select players involved in the National Rugby League.
Paul and Vainikolo were to fly to Australia on Friday, the report said, giving them a week to prepare for the one-off test.
"To get a call-up for my country is awesome," Paul told the website.
"One of the reasons why I became a player was to represent my country."
Unlike other seasons, there is a hole in the British Super League competition which frees up the availability of New Zealand players based there for international duty.
Playmaker Paul has not played for the Kiwis since their 2002 test series against Great Britain while winger Vainikolo last played for the Kiwis in the 2000 World Cup final loss to Australia.
Paul believed Bradford's recent defeat of the Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge helped the pair earn their return.
"Bradford becoming world champions has meant the game over here getting a lot more respect," he said.
"It shows how far Super League has come. Britain also ran Australia close over three tests last year. The game over here has vastly improved and that hasn't gone unnoticed."
Kiwis business manager Pat Carthy would not comment on the report, saying that the selectors were still in the process of selecting the team.
"A squad is being selected and the team will be finalised Saturday night and announced on Sunday."
It is believed selectors Brent Todd and Tony Kemp met yesterday to discuss the merits of selecting any British-based players.
NZRL chairman Selwyn Pearson said he had not been informed about team selection but said it would be "fantastic" if Paul and Vainikolo had earned selection as he wanted to see all the best players available.
- NZPA
